HISTORY OF BCC

The Community College was established in 1968 by an Act of Parliament - the Barbados Community College Act, 1968-23. This Act was amended in 1990 to empower the College to grant Bachelor Degrees, Associate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates, to students who successfully complete approved programmes of study.

The Act made provision for the institution to offer education and training in the following fields:

(a) Agriculture
(b) Commerce
(c) Fine Arts
(d) Liberal Arts
(e) Science
(f) Technology

and in "such other fields of Education as the Minister of Education may determine from time to time

Three hundred and twenty-five students were admitted to the College in January 1969 in three Divisions - Commerce, Liberal Arts and Science. Since that time, the College has expanded in response to the developmental needs of the country.

PHILOSOPHY

The Barbados Community College is a teaching institution designed to cater to the educational needs of as wide a cross-section of the post-secondary and adult population as its facilities permit. It is a dynamic institution which seeks to respond positively to the perceived needs of its clientele. It is committed to the development of a creative and informed citizenry in a vibrant, democratic society.

A major goal, therefore, is to develop a truly comprehensive range of curricular
offerings to foster the educational, personal and social growth of all its students, and to enhance their ability to contribute to the development needs of the country.

AIMS

In seeking to develop the full, human potential of each student, the College
endeavours to:

(i) offer a high quality education through the creation of a positive, supportive
environment in which teaching, learning and research might take place.

(ii) prepare students for meaningful participation in society as responsible citizens who are fully aware of the mutual rights, duties and obligations of all persons.

(iii) provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for productive work in the community

(iv) encourage a wide range of cultural activities and constructive use of leisure
time

(v) develop among it students an interest in maintaining sound health and physical fitness.

(vi) develop the skills and abilities needed for effective communication.

(vii) foster an awareness of and appreciation:
(a) moral and spiritual values
(b) a spirit of co-operation and
(c) the role of education as a continuing life-long experience.

(viii) Foster among its staff and students a positive sense of community service and involvement.

(ix) place a strong focus on counselling, advising, and placement services as an integral part of the College experience.

(x) provide an enlightened, competent and professionally- equipped staff.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

i) BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

The College is administered by a Board of Management consisting of nine persons, under a Chairman, appointed by the Minister of Education. The functions of the Board are:

(a) to manage, conduct and supervise the activities of the College;
(b) to have general supervision of the buildings, premises and grounds of the
College and
(c) to inquire into and adjudicate upon disciplinary charges against students
or members of the Staff of the College.

The regular meetings of the Board take place on the first Wednesday of every month.

ii) ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

The-administrative head of the College is the Principal who is appointed by the Board of Management and is responsible to it for the internal organization and administration of the College. Other senior administrative officers are the Deputy Principal, the Registrar, the Finance Officer and the Senior Tutors/Directors.

There are regular meetings of the four administrative officers to ensure the coordination of programmes.

iii) COLLEGE, DIVISIONAL AND PROGRAMME ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The College has a College Planning and Advisory Committee Comprising the Principal, Deputy Principal, Registrar, Finance Officer, Senior Tutors/Directors, College Librarian, Tutor I, Physical Education, President, Staff Association, and two representatives from the Students’ Guild. This committee concerns itself with all aspects of College life and makes recommendations directed towards improving the overall operations of the College.

There is also an Advisory Committee at the Divisional level, each committee consisting of the Principal, the Senior Tutor/Director of the Division and persons engaged in occupations directly related to the training programmes offered in the Division. The main purpose of the Divisional Advisory Committee is to provide assistance in programme development and to recommend the introduction of alternative or additional programmes which have direct relevance to the development trends in the community. In addition, there are Programme Advisory Committees in some areas where the nature of the programme warrants the existence of such Committees.